WordPress on Localhost

Running WordPress locally allows you to develop themes, test plugins, and build websites without a live server. Use tools like XAMPP, MAMP, Local by Flywheel, or Docker to create your local WordPress environment.

Methods to Run WordPress Locally

Install WordPress with XAMPP

1. Install XAMPP — Download from apachefriends.org
2. Start Apache & MySQL — From XAMPP Control Panel
3. Download WordPress — From wordpress.org
4. Extract to htdocs — C:\xampp\htdocs\wordpress
5. Create Database — Open phpMyAdmin, create database named wordpress
6. Run Install — Visit http://localhost/wordpress
7. Enter Details:
   • Database: wordpress
   • Username: root
   • Password: (blank for XAMPP)
   • Host: localhost
8. Complete Setup — Set site title, admin username/password

Install with Local by Flywheel (Easiest)

1. Download Local from localwp.com
2. Install and open Local
3. Click Create a new site
4. Enter site name (e.g., "mysite")
5. Choose environment (Preferred is fine)
6. Set WordPress username/password
7. Click Add Site
8. Access at mysite.local

WordPress wp-config.php for Localhost

// Database settings for XAMPP
define('DB_NAME', 'wordpress');
define('DB_USER', 'root');
define('DB_PASSWORD', '');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

// Enable debug mode for development
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

// Disable auto-updates locally
define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true);

WordPress CLI (WP-CLI)

# Install WordPress via CLI
wp core download
wp config create --dbname=wordpress --dbuser=root --dbpass=
wp db create
wp core install --url=localhost/wordpress --title="My Site" \
    --admin_user=admin --admin_password=password --admin_email=admin@local.test

# Common commands
wp plugin install woocommerce --activate
wp theme install flavor flavor2 flavor3
wp user create editor editor@local.test --role=editor
wp db export backup.sql

Common Local URLs

Troubleshooting